Medical Surgical Nursing Practice Questions Related

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A client has a chest tube in place connected to a closed chest drainage system. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client's lung has re-expanded?

  • A. Oxygen saturation of 95%
  • B. No fluctuations in the water seal chamber
  • C. No reports of pleuritic chest pain
  • D. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: No fluctuations in the water seal chamber. This finding indicates that the lung has re-expanded because it means there is no air leaking from the lung into the pleural space, causing fluctuations in the water seal chamber. Option A, oxygen saturation of 95%, is not directly related to lung re-expansion. Option C, no reports of pleuritic chest pain, is a subjective symptom and does not provide a direct indication of lung re-expansion. Option D, occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber, indicates air is escaping from the lung into the pleural space, suggesting incomplete lung re-expansion.